"We were given two hands to hold, two legs to walk, two eyes to see, two ears to listen but why only one heart? Because the other one was given to someone else, for us to find."
Next weekend, Trouper and I will join family and friends to celebrate the 50th Wedding Anniversary of my Aunt Glenda and my Uncle Don. Besides being wonderful, God loving people, they are a true inspiration to so many. From their devotion to service by their many years spent as missionaries in Africa and Mexico, to their strength and unconditional love for their friends and family. Thinking about them reminds me of all the strong people I've been blessed with, and how God knows who to put into your life and when to put them there.
My Mom is the most strong willed, opinionated person you will ever meet. It's usually her way or the highway, and I'm pretty sure she has never been wrong in her life. For years, I would argue with her but it's wasted breath, might as well just say yes, okay, and move on. However she loves fiercely and never gives up, two qualities I'm so happy she passed on to her children. Two difficult marriages, being knocked down, sick, unsure of her future and she pulls herself up, and keeps it moving. She went back to school in her 50's and earned her degree, she fell in love (again) with an old high school boyfriend and married him and when faced with the death of her beloved son, turned her sadness into helping others in her community. When Trouper first got sick, I knew I was strong enough to handle the situation because I am my Mother's daughter and I knew that things had to be done, and if I had trouble doing them, she would make sure they got done. She loves me, my faults and all and she is the world's best Grandma to my kids. When I don't think I can, my inner Carla says yes you can! We are blessed with Grandma Carla!
My Dad and Step-Mom, Benita, don't often get the credit they deserve and for that I am sorry. To say that the road to adulthood and an adult relationship has been rocky is an understatement but to their credit, they never gave up. Divorce is difficult and often, the kids are caught in the cross fires and that's exactly what happened to my sister and I. When we were younger, we were busy being kids so they didn't have the chance to see us often, and they didn't want to "intrude" on our lives. I didn't understand this until I was older, I just thought they were happy living their lives and two young kids didn't fit into that plan. Now, I understand and I appreciate the relationship we have. They are the most non judgmental people I know and I can call either one of them with any problem and instead of bad mouthing or complaining with me, they just try and get me to see the situation different, and throw some much needed wisdom my way.
My In-laws, Don and Teresa embody the quote "the greatest gift you can give others is unconditional love and acceptance". I've often said (about them) that they would love their children even if they were serial killers on death row. I can't say I've always agreed with them, but I do respect them. Not many people would give up their lives for months on end to spend each day at the hospital, caring for their adult son but they did just that, for two months. I've tried to give them the time they need to be with him, I know the sadness my Mom suffered when Bumper left us, and I know as a Mom the helplessness you feel when your children are ill. I am grateful for their love and support, when Trouper was in the hospital for so long their presence allowed me to come to work, deal with kids and home, and know that someone that loved Trouper was with him when I couldn't.
Kim, Jay and Amanda. I can't say enough about the three of them, or how much they've helped us over the past 9 months. From those first moments at the hospital, to accompanying Trouper to his weekly doctor appointments, they have been our security blanket. When we needed an organizer to get Emily to college, Uncle Jay was there. When we need snacks and Dr. Pepper Ten, Amanda and her cooler are there and when I need to complain and have someone tell Trouper he's being an ass, even if he doesn't feel good, Aunt Kim is there. God knew what he was doing when he had us live 10 minutes for them!
Kyna. My sister, my friend, my confidant, my security, my heart. She loves life, always has a smile and a words of wisdom and never gives up (she got that from Mom too!). I can't describe the depth of love I have for her, or how I count the days till I live closer to her. When Trouper got sick, I don't remember even asking her to come, her and Mom just showed up. When I see her name on my phone, I know I'm in for a good story and it usually comes just at the very moment I could use a good story. Since the day she was born, it was me and her vs. the world and she is living proof that your childhood doesn't write the story of your life. I'm beyond grateful for her, and wish everyone had a Kyna in their life.
So many others, I promise I will remember each of you in my Thankful status updates during November, just always know I appreciate your love and support beyond words.
